King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal Saudi Arabia

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KAUST is a graduate-only research university on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, where Master's and PhD students from over 120 nationalities tackle global challenges in energy, food, health and water — with AI as a core enabler. Over 90% of admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship, covering full tuition, a living stipend, housing, flights and health insurance.

Why study at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)?

As a purely postgraduate university, KAUST brings together outstanding students, world-leading faculty and some of the best-equipped labs and Core Facilities anywhere in the world.

It's an environment built for ambitious, curiosity-driven scientists and engineers who want their work to make a real-world difference.

Over 90% of our students receive a full fellowship — covering tuition, a living stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance, and relocation — so you can focus entirely on your research.

Ranked No.1 in Saudi Arabia for materials science, chemistry, natural sciences, and electrical engineering, and the No. 1 Arab University by Times Higher Education (THE).

1,700

postgraduate students

17

courses

1

Scholarship listed on FindAMasters

No.1

in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings (2023 - 2026), No.48 in Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Ratings, 8 subjects in QS World University Subject Rankings top 100.

Thuwal Saudi Arabia

main campus

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Upcoming Open Days & Webinars

October

2026

Multiple dates

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate-only research university on the shores of the Red Sea in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. English is the language of instruction, and the University is dedicated entirely to Master's and doctoral education integrated with mission-driven research.

KAUST exists to advance science and technology where it matters most, with a special focus on energy, food, health and water desalination, and artificial intelligence as a cross-cutting enabler. Research and teaching are organised across three academic divisions — Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering; Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering; and Physical Science and Engineering — supported by world-class Core Labs and research centres.

KAUST is also committed to turning discovery into impact. Its Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) programme helps scientists and engineers build the commercial and leadership skills to take research beyond the lab — into start-ups, patents and partnerships — supported by a wider innovation ecosystem of accelerators, seed funding and industry collaboration that links the University's science to Saudi Arabia's growing knowledge economy.

With students, faculty and researchers drawn from more than 120 countries, KAUST offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary community where talented people from every background work side by side. It was also the first mixed-gender campus in Saudi Arabia, and remains a place where discovery is pursued for the benefit of the Kingdom and the world.

View the prospectus for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Latest Scholarships

KAUST Fellowship (Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Study at KAUST)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

$75,000

Scholarship value

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Departments at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)

The Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs in bioscience and bioengineering — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with access to world-class laboratories and computational resources. Bringing together science, engineering and advanced digital tools, our students and researchers connect discovery with real-world impact: from precision medicine and disease to the engineering of living systems, tackling today's most pressing health challenges and helping build a healthier future for the Kingdom and the world.

Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)

The Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs across bioscience, environmental science and engineering, marine science and plant science — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with exceptional access to the Red Sea and world-class laboratories. Our students and researchers work to secure food and water, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and understand how living organisms adapt to their environments — tackling pressing national and global challenges, and helping build a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)

The Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs across chemistry, chemical engineering, applied physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, earth science and energy resources — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty in some of the region's most advanced laboratories. Here, deep science meets real-world innovation: our students and researchers work at the frontiers of energy, advanced materials and sustainability to tackle pressing national and global challenges, and help build a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)

The Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs across computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied mathematics and computational sciences, and statistics — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty, with exceptional research facilities and a genuinely interdisciplinary culture. Here, the next generation of scientific leaders tackle complex national and global challenges, and help create a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Student life at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

The campus is a self-contained coastal town: on-campus housing, schools, shops, restaurants and healthcare sit alongside the research buildings, so everything you need is within easy reach.

Life here is genuinely international, with residents from over 120 nationalities and a full calendar of cultural, social and sporting activities. The Red Sea location means world-class diving, sailing, kayaking and beach life on your doorstep, alongside sports facilities, a marina, gyms and clubs. Families are welcome and well supported, with schooling and childcare on campus. It's a safe, close-knit environment designed so you can focus on your research while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Disciplines available at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Agriculture

Biological Sciences

Business & Management

Chemistry

Computer Science

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Geology

Materials Science

Mathematics

Physics

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay tuition?

Over 90% of admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship. No separate application is required — all applicants are considered automatically during admissions. It covers full tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing (with utilities), health insurance, and relocation support, so you can focus entirely on your studies and research.

What else does the KAUST Fellowship include?

Alongside full tuition, the fellowship provides a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support.

What language are programmes taught in?

All teaching and research at KAUST is conducted in English.

Do I need an English language test?

Applicants are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS). Check the specific requirements for your programme on our Admissions pages.

When can I apply?

KAUST welcomes applications from prospective Master's and PhD students throughout the year — see our Admissions pages for current deadlines and intakes.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. KAUST is a family-friendly community with on-campus housing, schooling and childcare, and many students and researchers relocate with their families.